Kosta Browne Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2005

This wine exhibited a wonderful, light red color. Cherries, raspberries and truffles on the nose, with spices and cola on the palate. Amazing, lush finish. The downside? At 15% alcohol, it took almost three hours for the lovely young lady and I to finish it. Four out of five stars.

UPDATE: Rethinking the Kosta Browne. After some time, the one thing I keep thinking about is how hot this wine was. That extra 1% (or 2%, compared to some wines) of alcohol really does matter. I don't think I could have had another bottle of that wine the following night -- or even within the next week. After all, alcohol's a toxin -- and as much fun as wine can be, I really can't have too much in a week. Revised rating: Three and a half stars out of five due to its excessive heat.

Diversity is good for wine.

The good professor has a recent post with the headline: Do you cellar rosé?

For me, the answer depends on what one means by "cellar." If by cellar, one means age, then the answer is easily "no." There are many wines that are very, very enjoyable young and while they're still fresh.

Still, I never know what I, or the lovely young lady, might be in the mood for. A Rosé, a Beaujolais, a Sauvignon blanc... never know. And when we open a bottle, it tends to be when many good wine stores are closed. So, I like to keep a few bottles that are not meant to age for a casual night in (besides, it helps me keep some of the bottles that really need to be aged around longer).

A to Z Pinot Noir 2005

A nice, light Pinor noir from Oregon. Cherry, raspberry, spice and cola on the nose. The palate was light with nice acidity. The finish wasn't that impressive. Very drinkable and, at $20 a bottle, a great bargain for Pinot. Three out of five stars (for value).